NY: Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi spoke with senior Republican Senator Lindsey Graham today on the sidelines of his UN-related engagements in New York.

The Foreign Minister and Senator Graham discussed bilateral relations and the regional situation.

Foreign Minister Qureshi appreciated Senator Graham’s efforts for strengthening the Pakistan-U.S. partnership. He said that Pakistan wanted to forge closer economic and trade linkages with the US. In this regard, the Foreign Minister and the Senator also agreed to further enhance bilateral cooperation in agricultural sector, especially for enhancing agricultural productivity in Pakistan.

The Foreign Minister said that Pakistan would continue to support efforts for achieving an inclusive political settlement in Afghanistan that would lead to a comprehensive ceasefire, and an orderly and responsible withdrawal of foreign forces. He stressed that peace in Afghanistan was ultimately the shared responsibility of all Afghan parties as well as key international stakeholders.

Senator Graham appreciated Pakistan’s support for deepening the peace process in Afghanistan, while underscoring the importance of economic engagement between the United States and Pakistan that would also contribute to regional peace and stability.

The Foreign Minister invited Senator Graham to visit Pakistan, which he gladly accepted.